Image Source: BBC
Cycling produced a historic American breakthrough in Montreal as Brandon McNulty claimed the men’s road race world title with a daring solo victory. The 28-year-old became the first United States winner of the event in 33 years, completing a punishing 273.4-kilometre course in six hours and 17 minutes.
McNulty crossed the line 13 seconds ahead of the chasing group, raising his hands to his head in disbelief. Australia’s Michael Matthews finished second, while former champion Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands took bronze.
A Historic Cycling Victory for Brandon McNulty
The result ended a long wait for American cycling. The last United States rider to win the men’s road race world title was Lance Armstrong in 1993.
McNulty admitted he was uncertain he could hold on during the closing stages. Speaking after the race, he said: “Until the last 800m I didn’t believe, I was so tired.”
He added that he knew a strong result was possible but believed it would require something extraordinary.
“I’m at a loss for words. I knew something could happen but it would take a miracle and I guess today a miracle happened,” McNulty said.
The Winning Attack That Changed the Race
The decisive move came with around 30 kilometres remaining. McNulty launched an attack and quickly created a significant gap over a group packed with some of the sport’s biggest names.
His advantage grew to 50 seconds before the final lap, putting the American in control of the race. However, the demanding final climb exposed the enormous effort required to stay away.
McNulty visibly began to slow, and his lead was reduced to only 10 seconds. The chasing riders appeared ready to bring him back, but the exhausted group could not complete the catch.
That resilience proved decisive. McNulty held his nerve and powered toward the finish to secure one of the most memorable victories of the season.
McNulty Outsmarts a Star-Studded Field
The Montreal course attracted a deep field of favourites, including Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Wout van Aert, Paul Seixas and Britain’s Tom Pidcock. Each rider had the strength and experience to shape the race, but the extreme distance made timing just as important as raw power.
According to BBC Sport analysis, several contenders attacked too early and paid for their efforts over the closing kilometres. McNulty, better known as a time-trialist and a domestique for Tadej Pogacar, waited for his opportunity before committing fully to the breakaway.
That tactical patience helped him exploit a race that became increasingly unpredictable. Even without the injured Pogacar, the event delivered relentless attacks and a thrilling finale beneath Montreal’s changing autumn colours.
Strong Results for Pidcock and Evenepoel
Britain’s Tom Pidcock finished seventh, while Ireland’s Ben Healy crossed the line in 10th. Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, another leading contender, placed 12th.
The results reflected the difficulty of the course, which tested riders over more than seven hours of racing. The combination of distance, climbing and repeated attacks left many favourites unable to produce their best efforts at the finish.
- Brandon McNulty: winner
- Michael Matthews: second
- Mathieu van der Poel: third
- Tom Pidcock: seventh
- Ben Healy: 10th
- Remco Evenepoel: 12th
What McNulty’s Win Means for US Cycling
McNulty’s victory is a major moment for United States cycling and could raise his profile beyond his established role as a valuable team rider. His success in Montreal showed that he can deliver on the sport’s biggest stage when given the freedom to race for himself.
The win also adds another major achievement to a breakthrough 2025 season, during which McNulty won the Montreal Grand Prix. His world title now places him among the most important American riders of the modern era.
For cycling fans, the result was a reminder that the world road race can be won through careful timing, endurance and courage. McNulty’s victory was not built on a dominant sprint or a late attack from the group, but on a bold decision to commit early and trust his remaining strength.
FAQs About Brandon McNulty’s Cycling Victory
Who won the men’s road race world title in Montreal?
Brandon McNulty of the United States won the men’s road race world title in Montreal.
How large was McNulty’s winning margin?
McNulty finished 13 seconds ahead of the chasing group after completing the 273.4-kilometre course.
Who finished behind Brandon McNulty?
Michael Matthews finished second for Australia, while Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands took third.
When was the last American victory before McNulty?
The previous American winner was Lance Armstrong, who won the men’s road race world title in 1993.
How did McNulty win the race?
He attacked with around 30 kilometres remaining, built a 50-second advantage and held on despite fading during the final climb.
